CLC deplores violent death of Ahmaud Arbery

DALLAS—The Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission staff issued a statement May 8 calling the killing of Ahmaud Arbery and lack of legal action by prosecutors for two months “appalling and disheartening.”

Arbery, an African American, would have turned 26 years old on May 8. He was shot and killed Feb. 23 while jogging near his home on the outskirts of Brunswick, Ga.

Two white men—Travis McMichael and his father, Gregory McMichael—who pursued Arbery in a truck told police they believed him to be a burglar.

The suspects were charged with murder and aggravated assault on May 7—two days after what the CLC called “horrifying and painful video footage” became public.

“Once again, America is faced with a harsh reminder that racism and an unjust criminal justice system still exist and remain at large in our society,” the CLC statement read.

The commission statement cited an Old Testament passage, Micah 6:8, which says, “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

“At the CLC, we serve God by kindly loving all of God’s people and by advocating on behalf of those who have been denied justice. We denounce racism, inequality and violence in our country while promoting the love of Christ in all that we do,” the statement said.

“Let us work together for the building up of the kingdom of God. Let us love each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, equally precious and made in the full image of God.

“We are praying for Ahmaud Arbery’s family and all impacted during this trying time. We pray that our criminal justice system will diligently serve all of God’s children fairly.”